Bodysuit for easy change of diapers

ABSTRACT

A bodysuit has a closure that is located near the waist area of the infant on which the bodysuit is worn. The bodysuit can have a water-resistant interior that is able to be wiped down and cleaned in the event of an accident. The bodysuit allows changing of the diaper without disturbing the infant.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/591,232, filed Nov. 28, 2017, the contents of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

Disclosed embodiments are generally related to clothing, and inparticular to clothing that facilitates the changing of diapers.

2. Description of the Related Art

A conventional baby bodysuit, or onesie, design makes it difficult,cumbersome and messy to change babies' diapers. This is due to theopening for changing the diaper being located at or close to the crotcharea and fastened with the use of snaps. The snaps can be difficult toclose and open. This difficulty in accessibility affects the baby'scomfort as well as the hindering of a caretaker's ability to change thediaper.

Therefore there is a need in the field for a bodysuit that permitseasier changing of diapers.

SUMMARY

Briefly described, aspects of the present disclosure relate to clothingthat permits easy changing of diapers.

An aspect of the present disclosure may be a bodysuit. The bodysuit maycomprise a body portion; arm portions extending from the body portion; abottom portion located below the body portion, wherein leg openings areformed when the bottom portion is secured to the body portion; a closurearea adapted to be formed and positioned at a location above a waistarea of a user of the bodysuit, wherein the closure area is formed bysecuring the body portion to the bottom portion; a fastener adaptedsecure the body portion to the bottom portion; and wherein the closurearea is adapted to be opened when a diaper is to be changed, whereinopening of the closure area provides access to a diaper for changing ofthe diaper.

Another aspect of the disclosure may be a bodysuit. The bodysuit maycomprise a body portion; a bottom portion located below the bodyportion, wherein the bottom portion is secured to the body portion; aclosure area adapted to be positioned and formed at a location above awaist area of a user of the bodysuit, wherein the closure area is formedwhen the body portion is secured to the bottom portion; a fasteneradapted to form the closure area; a vertical closure area adapted toclose the body portion; and wherein the closure area is adapted to beopened when a diaper is to be changed, wherein opening of the closureprovides access to a diaper for changing of the diaper.

Still yet another aspect of the disclosure may be a method of changing adiaper. The method may comprise opening a bodysuit at a closure areawherein the bodysuit comprises; a body portion; a bottom portion locatedbelow the body portion, wherein the bottom portion is secured to thebody portion above a waist area of a user of the bodysuit with afastener; a vertical closure area adapted to close the body portion;opening the vertical closure area of the bodysuit; removing the diaper;and replacing the diaper.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of thedisclosure will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings,in which reference characters refer to the same parts throughout thevarious views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon illustrating principals of the disclosedembodiments.

FIG. 1 is a frontal view of a bodysuit.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the bodysuit.

FIG. 3 is a view of the closure after being opened.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the bodysuit.

FIG. 5 is another view of the bodysuit shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows a frontal view of another embodiment of the bodysuit.

FIG. 7 is a close up view of an attachment means shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a frontal view of another embodiment of the bodysuit.

FIG. 9 is a frontal view of yet another embodiment of the bodysuit.

FIG. 10 is a frontal view of another embodiment of the bodysuit.

FIG. 11 is a frontal view of yet another embodiment of the bodysuit.

FIG. 12 is a frontal view of the bodysuit shown in FIG. 11 with theclosure closed.

FIG. 13 is a frontal view of another view of the bodysuit.

FIG. 14 is a close-up view of the attachment mechanism for the bodysuit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To facilitate an understanding of embodiments, principles, and featuresof the present disclosure, they are disclosed hereinafter with referenceto implementation in illustrative embodiments. Embodiments of thepresent disclosure, however, are not limited to use in the describedsystems or methods and may be utilized in other systems and methods aswill be understood by those skilled in the art.

The components described hereinafter as making up the variousembodiments are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Manysuitable components that would perform the same or a similar function asthe components described herein are intended to be embraced within thescope of embodiments of the present disclosure.

As discussed above, a conventional bodysuit design hinders a caretaker'sability to change a diaper with ease. When a caretaker goes to change adiaper they have to typically open a closure located in the crotch area.Given the nature of diapers, which typically open at the waste area,there tends to be a lot of struggling, potential messes, etc. whendealing with this type of bodysuit.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, to address this problem, shown is anembodiment of the bodysuit 10. The bodysuit 10 shown in FIG. 1 addressesthe issue of the hard to reach area by moving the location of theclosure area 15 from the crotch area to a location that is located abovethe waist area.

The location of the closure area 15 is located above the waist area andnot located within the crotch region. In an embodiment, the closure area15 is located at the waist area. In an embodiment, the closure area 15is located proximate to and above the waist area. In an embodiment, theclosure area 15 is located an inch above the waist area. In anembodiment, the closure area 15 is located two inches above the waistarea. In an embodiment, the closure area 15 is located more than an inchabove the waist area. In another embodiment, the closure area 15 islocated parallel with the chest area.

Furthermore, the manner with which portions of the bodysuit 10 aresecured together at the closure area 15 is also improved. In theembodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the portions of the bodysuit 10 at theclosure area 15 are secured with a fastener 11, which secures the bodyportion 18 to the bottom portion 20. The fastener 11 is a tie mechanismin the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3. In an embodiment, the fastener 11is a hook and loop fastener. The hook and loop fastener enablesfastening of the garment in a quicker, quieter and easier way versus thehard snap closures available in the market. In an embodiment, thefastener 11 is a snap closure. In an embodiment, the fastener 11 is abutton closure. In an embodiment, the fastener 11 is a magnetic closure.In an embodiment, the fastener 11 is a clasping mechanism. In anembodiment, the fastener 11 is a hook-based mechanism. In an embodiment,the fastener 11 is a sealing mechanism. In an embodiment, the fastener11, is a temporary sticking mechanism. In an embodiment, the fastener 11is an electrostatic attachment mechanism.

As discussed above, and still referring to FIG. 1, the closure area 15is positioned at a midpoint of the baby and is where the body portion 18is secured to the bottom portion 20. The closure area 15 is at thejuncture between a bottom portion 20 and the body portion 18. In anembodiment, the closure area 15 is formed as overlapping portions ofparts of the body portion 18 and parts of the bottom portion 20. In anembodiment, the closure area 15 is formed as a portion of the bodyportion 18. In an embodiment, the closure area 15 is formed as portionof the bottom portion 20.

The closure area 15 is located typically above a waistline of a babywearing the body suit 10. This makes the opening at the front, up higherand closer to the front waist and just below the belly button. Theclosure area 15 may be located on the body portion 18 at a location thatwould be above the navel of a baby. The location of the closure area 15enables the closing and opening of the bodysuit 10 to be at a convenientlocation versus areas that are closer to the crotch region and thussubject to causing more discomfort. Furthermore, the location enablesaccess to the closing and opening features found on most diapers. Thelocation of the closure area 15 on the bodysuit 10 makes it easier,quicker, less messy and much more convenient to change a baby's diaper.The location of the closure area 15 also makes it much more comfortablefor the baby since there is less need to move the baby in order tochange the diaper. This is especially so when the baby is asleep.

As mentioned above, the bodysuit 10 has a body portion 18. The bodyportion 18 may have a water-resistant interior. The body portion 18 mayalso be adapted so that the closure area 15 formed by having thefastener 11 secured to the body portion 18 via matching attachmentmeans. In an embodiment, the body portion 18 may have the holes for thereceipt of buttons. In an embodiment the body portion 18 may havebuttons. In an embodiment, the body portion 18 may have one half of thehook and loop tape receiving mechanism, either the hook or the loopportion of the hook and loop tape. In an embodiment, the body portion 18may have one portion of a magnetic layer. In an embodiment, the bodyportion 18 may have adhesive means. In an embodiment, the body portion18 may have the receiving or snapping portion of a snap.

Additionally, a water-resistant liner can be provided inside thebodysuit 10. In an embodiment, the water-resistant can be located withinthe bottom area 20. In an embodiment, the water-resistant liner islocated throughout the bodysuit 10. In an embodiment, thewater-resistant liner is located throughout the bottom portion of thebodysuit 10. In an embodiment, the water-resistant liner is anadditional item that can be attached to the interior of the bodysuit 10via hook and loop tape or other attachment means, such as snaps,buttons, clasps, etc. In an embodiment, the water-resistant liner is adisposable item that can be replaced when soiled. In an embodiment, thebottom area 20 of the bodysuit 10 is replaceable and when soiled can beremoved and replaced with another bottom area 20. The water-resistantliner may be added on the interior of the bottom area 20 coveringapproximately the area just below the back of the waist to the edge ofthe flap covering the diaper area. In an embodiment, the water-resistantliner is a water-resistant fabric, resists leakages and allows quickwipe down of any wetness of the surface. The water-resistant liner maythereby reduce the frequency of garment changes.

When the bottom area 20 is secured to the body portion 18, leg openings16 are formed in the bodysuit 10. The leg openings 16 permit a baby'slegs to pass through. The leg openings 16 may form a pant's leg or besized in any shape that could permit the passage of a leg.

The bodysuit 10 also has a head opening 14. The head opening 14 of thebodysuit 10 is formed at the top of the body portion 18 and can be sizedand shaped based on the size and shape of the baby. The bodysuit 10further has arm portions 12 for receiving arms. The arm portions 12 maybe long sleeved, short sleeved or simply be an opening that allowspassage of the arms. not have any sleeves at all.

In addition to use with the bodysuit 10, the embodiments of the closurearea 15 and other embodiments and features discussed herein may be usedwith cloth baby diapers. The embodiments of the closure area 15 andother embodiments and features discussed herein may be used withdisposable diapers. The embodiments of the closure area 15 and otherembodiments and features discussed herein may be used with garments forthe elderly. The embodiments of the closure area 15 and otherembodiments and features discussed herein may be used with otherhospital or patient care situations. Additionally, adult bodysuits thatrequire the same ease, convenience and reduced messiness may also usethe closing arrangement. In an embodiment, a swimsuit is made in thesame manner as the bodysuit 10.

The bodysuit 10 may be used with varying types and weights of fabricsand materials. In an embodiment, the stitching used with the bodysuit 10is non-abrasive. In an embodiment, the bodysuit 10 is made of a softfabric. In an embodiment, the bodysuit 10 is made of a water-proofmaterial. In an embodiment, the bodysuit 10 is made of a water-resistantmaterial. In an embodiment, the bodysuit 10 is made of wicking material.In an embodiment, the bodysuit 10 is made of cotton. In an embodiment,the bodysuit 10 is made of plastic material. In embodiment, the bodysuit10 is made of nylon.

In an embodiment, the bodysuit 10 is made of a thermochromic materialthat changes color based upon temperature. Having the bodysuit 10 madeof thermochromic material can provide additional information such asproviding additional visual indication that a diaper may be soiled. Forinstance, in an embodiment the bottom portion 20 of the bodysuit 10 ismade of thermochromic material and changes color when the baby wetstheir diaper. Thermochromic material may also provide additionalinformation about the comfort level of the baby. In addition or insteadof being made of thermochromic material, material that changes colorwhen damp be used.

The bodysuit 10 may have different types of decoration, trims and/orstyling using various silhouettes to improve its appeal to the customersor meet the demands of both retailers/customers. In an embodiment, thebodysuit 10 may have attractive prints, embroidery, patch designs, etc.In an embodiment, the bodysuit 10 may also be paired with additionalaccessories. It might also be paired off with other garments or garmentaccessories to make it coordinated set or as a gift package.

As discussed above, the position of the closure area 15 may bere-positioned or coupled with additional closure options for furtherease or comfort (e.g. new born babies might require full garment openinginstead of only at the waist). The location of the closure area 15 mayvary based on age and need of the person who will be using the bodysuit10.

Bodysuits 10 may further be modified in order to provide a variety andseasonal needs. In an embodiment, the bodysuit 10 has long sleeves foruse in the winter. In an embodiment, the bodysuit 10 has short sleevesfor the summer. In an embodiment, the bodysuit 10 has no sleeves for thesummer. Two-piece sets can also be made, such as a top and bottom thatare able to be secured at the closure area 15 or are replaceable, etc.Versions may also be designed with one or more design elements discussedherein.

In an exemplary embodiment of the use of the bodysuit 10, when a diaperneeds changing, the baby is positioned on a changing table on its back.The bottom portion 20 is pulled down from the location of the closurearea 15. The diaper is then undone and the diaper is removed. The baby'sbottom is cleaned in the normal manner. If the bodysuit 10 has awater-resistant lining that is wet, the water-resistant lining is wipedclean. A new diaper is positioned under the baby and fastened accordingto the instructions provided by the diaper manufacturer. The bottomportion 20 is then pulled up and secured using the fastener 11. The sameprocess with minor modifications for consideration for an adult's size,weight and mobility would be used to change an adult diaper.

Now referring to FIG. 4, the closure area 15 is extended to traverse thebody portion 18 and located at a front waist area, that is higher up andcloser to the belly button of an infant.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the bodysuit 10.In the embodiment shown, the closure area 15 has located above it avertical closure area 22. The vertical closure area 22 may cross thebody portion 18 at an angle with respect to the waist area. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 4, the vertical closure is formed as an arcacross the body portion 18. The arc forming the vertical closure area 22permits the body portion forming the vertical closure area 22 to beopened with ease and without disturbing the infant. The formed arc mayform a half-moon shape. In an embodiment, the arc formed extends 10degrees. In an embodiment, the arc formed extends 20 degrees. In anembodiment, the arc formed extends 30 degrees. In an embodiment, the arcformed extends 40 degrees. In an embodiment, the arc formed extends 80degrees. In an embodiment, the arc formed extends 120 degrees. In anembodiment, the arc formed extends 180 degrees. In an embodiment, thearc formed extends 200 degrees. The formed arc permits an additionalresting area for the baby during the changing of the infant.

In FIG. 4, the body portion 18 of the vertical closure area 22 issecured with buttons 24. However, it should be understood, that any ofthe fastening mechanisms discussed above can be used to secure and formthe vertical closure area 22.

FIG. 5 is another view of the bodysuit shown in FIG. 4. The body portion18 formed the vertical closure area 22 may be secured with buttons 22and the body portion 18 may further be secured on the interior of thebodysuit 10 at an interior closure area 25 that is hidden from view whenthe vertical closure area 22 is secured. The interior closure area 25can provide additional means for using the body portion 18 to secure andbundle an infant. The interior closure area 25 can provide an additionalsurface area using the body portion 18 for changing an infant duringchanging since both portions of the body portion 18 that makes up thevertical closure area 22 can be opened in such a way that they are ableto be placed down on either side of the body suit 10.

FIG. 6 shows a frontal view of another embodiment of a bodysuit 10.Similar to the embodiment shown above in FIGS. 4 and 5, the bodysuit 10may have a vertical closure area 22 that traverses the body portion 18.The vertical closure area 22 may additionally have interior snaps 28that may additionally close the bodysuit 10. There may also be a zipper26 that provides additional access when opening the bodysuit 10. Thevertical closure area 22 shown in FIG. 6 may additionally be formed asan arc across the body portion 18. The closure area 15 and the verticalclosure area 22 operate in conjunction in order to provide an easy areafor providing access to an infant during a changing situation.Furthermore, while a zipper 26 is shown within the interior leg portionsof the bodysuit 10, the leg portions themselves may be removabledepending on the weather or type of bodysuit 10 that is intended onbeing used. Having the zipper 26 located in the interior portion of thelegs of the bodysuit 10 permits easy access for changing when used withthe vertical closure area 22 and the closure area 15.

FIG. 7 is a close-up view of interior snaps 28 shown in FIG. 6. Theinterior snaps 28 are located on an interior flap 29. The interior snaps28 can be placed within interior loops 27 and looped around to engagethe interior snaps 28. The inside front panel may attach to a side seamwith the interior snaps 28. While interior snaps 28 are shown, otheradditional fastening means can be used such as those discussed above.

FIG. 8 is a frontal view of another embodiment of the bodysuit 10. Thebodysuit 10 has buttons 24 located on a vertical closure area 22 tosecure the bodysuit 10. Instead of the buttons 24 there mayalternatively use one of the fastening mechanisms that were discussedabove. Additionally, there may be an interior snap 28 such as discussedwith respect to FIG. 7 above. There may also be a non-visible zipperwith a rubber pull to open the bodysuit 10 from the bottom of the leg tothe waistline area. A round hook and loop tape opening with ribbon pullfrom the top of neck to waist line where the zipper opening ends mayalso exist. The vertical closure area 22 and the closure area 15 canprovide the way in which the bodysuit 10 can be opened and the babychanged with ease.

FIG. 9 is a frontal view of another embodiment of the bodysuit 10. Inthis embodiment of the bodysuit 10 there may be a securing portion 23that is located within the closure area 15. This can provide a flap tocover a zipper pull. The bodysuit 10 has buttons 24 located on avertical closure area 22 to secure the bodysuit 10. Instead of thebuttons 24 there may alternatively be used one of the fasteningmechanisms that were discussed above.

FIG. 10 is a frontal view of another embodiment of the bodysuit 10. Thebodysuit 10 may have a vertical closure area 22 and a zipper 26 thatextends up the bodysuit 10. The bodysuit 10 has buttons 24 located on avertical closure area 22 to secure the bodysuit 10. Instead of thebuttons 24 there may alternatively be used one of the fasteningmechanisms that were discussed above. The vertical closure area 22 andthe closure area 15 can provide the way in which the bodysuit 10 can beopened and the baby changed with ease.

FIG. 11 is a frontal view of another embodiment of the bodysuit 10. FIG.12 is a frontal view of the bodysuit shown in FIG. 11 with the bodysuit10 within the closure area 15 closed. The bodysuit 10 uses string 19 toclose the bodysuit 10 within the closure area 15. As discussed above thebody portion 18 and the bottom portion 20 within the closure area 15 canbe secured with any of the other fastening mechanisms discussed above.

FIG. 13 is a frontal view of another embodiment of the bodysuit 10. FIG.14 is a close-up view of the mechanism used to close the verticalclosure area 22. The interior snaps 28 are located on an interior flap29. The interior snaps 28 can be placed within interior loops 27 andlooped around to engage the interior snaps 28. The inside front panelmay attach to a side seam with the interior snaps 28. While interiorsnaps 28 are shown, other additional fastening means can be used such asthose discussed above. The vertical closure area 22 and the closure area15 can provide the way in which the bodysuit 10 can be opened and thebaby changed with ease.

While embodiments of the present disclosure have been disclosed inexemplary forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatmany modifications, additions, and deletions can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention and itsequivalents, as set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bodysuit comprising: a body portion; armportions extending from the body portion; a bottom portion located belowthe body portion, wherein leg openings are formed when the bottomportion is secured to the body portion; a closure area adapted to beformed and positioned at a location above a waist area of a user of thebodysuit, wherein the closure area is formed by securing the bodyportion to the bottom portion; a fastener adapted secure the bodyportion to the bottom portion; and wherein the closure area is adaptedto be opened when a diaper is to be changed, wherein opening of theclosure area provides access to a diaper for changing of the diaper. 2.The bodysuit of claim 1, further comprising a water-resistant linersecured to the bottom portion.
 3. The bodysuit of claim 1, wherein thebottom portion is formed with a water-resistant material.
 4. Thebodysuit of claim 1, further comprising a vertical closure formed on thebody portion of the bodysuit.
 5. The bodysuit of claim 4, wherein thevertical closure area is arc-shaped.
 6. The bodysuit of claim 1, whereinthe closure area is adapted to be positioned and formed at a locationabove the belly button of the user of the bodysuit.
 7. The bodysuit ofclaim 1, wherein the bottom portion is formed with a thermochromicmaterial.
 8. The bodysuit of claim 1, wherein the fastener is formed asa hook and loop tape.
 9. The bodysuit of claim 1, where the fastener isformed as a tie mechanism.
 10. A bodysuit comprising: a body portion; abottom portion located below the body portion, wherein the bottomportion is secured to the body portion; a closure area adapted to bepositioned and formed at a location above a waist area of a user of thebodysuit, wherein the closure area is formed when the body portion issecured to the bottom portion; a fastener adapted to form the closurearea; a vertical closure area adapted to close the body portion; andwherein the closure area is adapted to be opened when a diaper is to bechanged, wherein opening of the closure provides access to a diaper forchanging of the diaper.
 11. The bodysuit of claim 10, further comprisinga water-resistant liner secured to the bottom portion.
 12. The bodysuitof claim 10, wherein the bottom portion is formed with a water-resistantmaterial.
 13. The bodysuit of claim 10 wherein the vertical closure areais arc-shaped.
 14. The bodysuit of claim 10, wherein the closure area isadapted to be positioned and formed at a location above the belly buttonof the user of the bodysuit.
 15. The bodysuit of claim 10, wherein thebottom portion is formed with a thermochromic material.
 16. The bodysuitof claim 10, wherein the fastener is formed as a hook and loop tape. 17.A method of changing a diaper comprising: opening a bodysuit at aclosure area wherein the bodysuit comprises; a body portion; a bottomportion located below the body portion, wherein the bottom portion issecured to the body portion above a waist area of a user of the bodysuitwith a fastener; a vertical closure area adapted to close the bodyportion; opening the vertical closure area of the bodysuit; removing thediaper; and replacing the diaper.
 18. The method of claim 17, furthercomprising wiping down a water-resistant liner.
 19. The method of claim17, further comprising replacing a water-resistant liner.
 20. The methodclaim 17, wherein the vertical closure area is arc shaped.